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Solar flare activity on the rise

Solar flare activity on the rise

On August 9 at 3:05 a.m. Memphis time, sunspot 1263 produced an X7-Class solar flare - only the third X-flare of new Solar Cycle 24 and the most powerful so far.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the explosion's brief but extreme ultraviolet flash. The brunt of the explosion was not Earth directed. Nevertheless, radiation from the flare created waves of ionization in Earth's upper atmosphere, briefly disrupting communications at some VLF and HF radio frequencies.

The blast also accelerated a mild torrent of protons toward Earth which will enhance the Northern Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights

A break is in sight

No one will dispute the fact that it has been unbearably hot of late. I do have good news though.

We only have to get through one more day before some relief heads our way. I am forecasting a high of 99 Monday with a heat index close to 110.

By Tuesday however, a front will drop the high temperature into the low or middle 90s, which yes is still hot, but better.

Rain is possible every day this week but I don't believe it will  rain everywhere everyday.

It's raining!

It's raining!

Rain is moving through the Mid-South and it's cooling things down (well, at least a little).

Show us how you and yuor family are enjoying the cooler temperatures by sending us pictures or videos.

Just email them to My5@WMCTV.com and they may be featured on-air or on Action News 5's Your Neighborhood websites.

Ozone alert brings health risks

The Shelby County Health Department is advising people, especially those with breathing disorders, to spend as little time as possible outside on Wednesday due to poor air quality.

The health department has issued a Code Orange Ozone Advisory. The alerts are issued when “the ozone levels are forecast to exceed the 8-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards,” according to health department officials.

Here are some tips to help reduce ozone levels from the health department:

  • Refuel cars and mowers after 7 p.m.
  • Carpool and combine daily errands
  • Drive less during peak hours or hot days

To help reduce traffic, rides on MATA busses and trolleys will be 25 cents.

Mid-South boils under heat wave

Mid-South boils under heat wave

The Mid-Soth will be in the grip of a major heat wave this week. Temperatures are forecast to touch 100 with heat index numbers as high as 110 degrees, possibly even higher.

Overnight lows should struggle to fall below 80 degrees.

Please drink plenty of water and listen to your body if you begin to feel dizzy.

Photo courtesy Flickr user timsamoff.

Lightning Hazards & Safety Tips For All Seasons

Lightning Hazards & Safety Tips For All Seasons

It is summertime and that means lots of outdoor recreational events, including a variety of adult & youth sports and activities.  Coaches, parents, officials & fans should be aware that many leagues and venues institute what’s called the “30/30″ rule in regards to lightning. 

Whether you're outside for work or for play, click here to get the scoop on that rule as well as other lightning safety info.

 

Soaring temperatures mean danger for several days

Soaring temperatures mean danger for several days

Temperatures across Shelby County are expected to be at or above the century mark for the next several days and that could mean danger for some Mid-Southerners.

“Citizens without a way to stay cool should go to a mall, library, community center or other public building,” said Bob Nations, Jr., director of the Shelby County Office of Preparedness. “Additionally, people need to check on the elderly and those who live alone to make sure they’ve not been affected by the heat.”

The Shelby County Office of Preparedness offered this advice for beating the heat: